Spied: Next-gen Toyota Camry hits the road

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Debut slated for 2017 North American International Auto Show

by Anton Andres

November 04, 2016 11:30

While D-Segment car sales aren't as strong as they were, Toyota is preparing the next-generation model of their bread and butter car in the US, the Camry. Slated for the 2018 model year, the Camry enters its eighth generation with what appears to be a sleeker, sportier look.

Drastic changes were made under the chassis of the upcoming model. It moves away from the Toyota K platform and now rides on the automaker's newest architecture. Called TNGA-K, it is a stretched version of the same chassis seen in the Prius and Mirai. Toyota is shifting towards modular platforms and TNGA-K will also underpin future models such as the next-generation Avalon, Highlander, Sienna, Lexus RX, Lexus ES and more. According to our spies, the 2018 Camry will make extensive use of aluminum for its panels.

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Looking through the camouflage, one can see that the Camry sports sleeker headlights and a larger grill. The bumper has also been given a more aggressive look with bulges at each corner. While the side profile does not reveal much at the moment, the roofline is curvier while rear windshield is more steeply raked compared to the current model.

At the rear, it appears to have LED piping for its tail lights similar to the Lexus ES. Also, the quad tailpipes hint at a performance model but this being a test mule, it is also likely that these are merely placeholders. It is also worth noting that the current Camry has two different exterior designs, one for the US and Middle East and one for Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Japan. It is possible that the 2018 Camry may get the same treatment.

Our spies were also able to snap a part of the car's dashboard. While not much is seen, the instrument cluster is now tilted upwards and the center console goes for a more sloping look. Expect more high-grade materials as the Camry pushes upmarket. It is also a possibility that the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Japanese spec models get the same interior.

According to our spies, the Camry will be available with four powertrain options. Powering the base models will be the 2.5 liter, 2AR-FE inline four engine but will likely get upgrades for better emissions or a slight power bump. Toyota bucks the engine downsizing trend as the Camry is also slated to retain the 3.5 liter 2GR-FE V6 engine. Despite the possible V6 offering, Toyota is also set to include a turbocharged engine for the Camry. Sources say it's a 2.0 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder motor, likely from the NX200t and IS200t. Called the 8AR-FTS, it produces 244 PS and 350 Nm of torque in Lexus vehicles.